Khaleel Ahmed: Indian Cricketer, IPL, Stats, Facts

Khaleel Ahmed is a left-arm fast bowler from India who made his debut against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2018. Many term him as India’s answer to the modern age Zaheer Khan. He could consistently bowl at over 145kmph and gets a bundle of energy when he steps in between the 22 yards. It all started from playing tennis ball cricket in Rajasthan and his journey to the Indin Team certainly hasn’t been an easy one. Well, nobody said playing for India will be easy anyway but it is certainly worth it! He was finally rewarded for his consistent performances by getting a ticket to Dubai for the Asia Cup 2018 and the youngster has never looked back ever since.

Khaleel Ahmed: Birthday

Khaleel celebrates his birthday on the 5th of December 1997. He has been playing cricket since he was a small kid though and made his way to both – The Rajasthan Under 16 and Under 19 Team.

Khaleel Ahmed: World Cup

The left arm quick bowler represented India in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup and grabbed many eyeballs by his sheer pace and immaculate line and length. The fact that he got the opportunity to train under the watchful eyes of Rahul Dravid certainly helped his case immensely and the young lad groomed leaps and bounds under the leadership of ‘The ‘Wall’. Just for the record, he picked up only 3 wickets in 6 games but it was about the impact he created which was enough for him to get a call from the IPL franchise, Delhi Daredevils.

Source: Hindustan Times

Khaleel Ahmed: Indian Premier League

When Nobody Knew The Youngster Was A Part Of The Delhi Daredevils

Yes, you read that right. Ahmed was a part of Delhi in the IPL 2016 and luckily for him, once again he got the chance to train under Rahul Dravid who was a mentor of the franchise. Yes, he might not have got an opportunity to apply his trade on the big stage but even a few conversations with Jammy and Zaheer Khan certainly did him a world of good.

Khaleel Ahmed: Sunrisrers Hyderabad

His life turned around with a got a lucrative Indian Premier League contract of Rs 3 Crore when the ‘Orange Army’ decided to include him as one of their own. He had set his base price at Rs 20 Lakh but heaven certainly had a plan for this child. Having said that, it certainly wasn’t the kind of season Ahmed would have been hoping for. He got to play only 1 game and gave away 38 runs of 3 overs before he was dropped only to be never picked again.

When The Real Khaleel Ahmed Finally Stood Up

It was the 2018 Mushtaq Ali Trophy which finally saw the left arm Khaleel Ahmed mature as a player and realise his own potential. Playing for Rajasthan, he literally ripped through many batsmen in the tournament and as a result, finished as the second highest wicket-taker.

He finished the Championship at an impressive average of 15.53 and a strike rate of a whopping 13.77. Not to forget an impressive economy rate of 6.77 which is pure gold in today’s day and age.

Khaleel Ahmed: Indian Cricket Team

He finally got rewarded for his performances as he got selected to play for India in the Asia Cup 2018. His debut was quite a memorable one as he grabbed 3 wickets for just 48 runs. Everyone has been talking about him ever since and the fact that India has never produced a good left-arm quick after Zaheer Khan certainly works in his favour. The angle he creates, nobody else can at the moment and it would certainly give Virat Kohli something different to play with.

Source: DNA India

Who is Khaleel Ahmed’s Favourite Bowler?

Well, this one is not surprising at all. Khaleel has always openly admired Zaheer Khan. He once also quoted that the reason he started playing cricket was watching Zaheer Khan bowl on national television. Interestingly, he even registered the same figures like his idol Khan on debut. While Zaheer took 48-3 against Kenya in the year 2000, 18 years later someone who dreams to be exactly like him did the same against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup.

Khaleel Ahmed: ICC World Cup 2019

Well, if he continues his good form, there is a very serious chance that Ahmed might be sitting on the flight to England. He is the only quality left-arm quick India has and the management would certainly want to take a closer look at him by giving him more opportunities.

Cric Crak wishes more ‘Power’ to the young Khaleel and hopes that he adds a lot more value to the beautiful game of cricket. Meanwhile, we will keep tracking the rise of Khaleel Ahmed and keep updating this blog in regards to the progess he makes!